PUBLIC RECORDS ACT REQUEST
(Comprehensive Template - Missouri Sunshine Law)
1. DOCUMENT HEADER
Sunshine Law Request Letter
Date: [DATE]
To:
[RECORDS CUSTODIAN NAME]
[AGENCY NAME]
[OFFICE STREET ADDRESS]
[AGENCY CITY, STATE ZIP]
E-Mail: [OFFICE E-MAIL]
From:
[REQUESTER NAME]
[REQUESTER TITLE & ORGANIZATION (if any)]
[STREET ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
Telephone: [PHONE]
E-Mail: [REQUESTER E-MAIL]
Re: Request for Records Concerning [BRIEF SUBJECT DESCRIPTION]
Recitals
A. The Requester seeks access to public records pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (the "Act").
B. The Requester submits this Request to obtain public disclosure of the records described herein.
2. DEFINITIONS
"Act" means the Missouri Sunshine Law (RSMo § 610.010 et seq.), as amended.
"Agency" means [AGENCY NAME], including all component offices and divisions.
"Records" includes any information that qualifies as a public record subject to the Act.
"Requester" means the individual or entity identified in Section 1.
3. OPERATIVE PROVISIONS
3.1 Request for Specific Records.
The Requester hereby requests that the Agency conduct a reasonable search and promptly disclose the following Records:
(a) [DETAILED, ITEM-BY-ITEM DESCRIPTION OF EACH RECORD REQUESTED, WITH DATE RANGES, KEYWORDS, FILE TYPES, ETC.];
(b) Any indices or guides that would assist in locating responsive Records; and
(c) All segregable portions of otherwise exempt Records.
3.2 Scope of Search.
a. Timeframe. Search all Records dated or created from [START DATE] through [END DATE].
b. Locations. Search all paper and electronic record systems reasonably likely to contain responsive Records.
3.3 Preferred Format of Production.
Produce all responsive, non-exempt Records electronically in native format.
3.4 Fees & Limitation.
Requester agrees to pay fees permitted by the Act, up to US $[CAP AMOUNT]. If estimated fees exceed this cap, provide an itemized written estimate and obtain authorization before proceeding.
3.5 Fee Waiver Request (Optional).
Requester respectfully seeks a Fee Waiver because the disclosure is in the public interest.
3.6 Exemptions & Segregability.
If the Agency withholds any portion based on an exemption, it shall:
a. Identify each applicable exemption provision;
b. Provide a reasonably specific explanation; and
c. Release all segregable non-exempt portions.
3.7 Method of Delivery.
Deliver all productions electronically to [E-MAIL OR FTP DETAILS].
4. DEFAULT & REMEDIES
4.1 Judicial Enforcement. Requester may file a civil action in the appropriate Missouri state court seeking injunctive relief compelling disclosure as authorized by the Act.
4.2 Attorneys' Fees & Costs. The court may award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs as provided by the Act.
5. EXECUTION BLOCK
__________________________________
[REQUESTER NAME]
Title: [REQUESTER TITLE]
Organization: [ORGANIZATION (if any)]
Date: [DATE]
[// GUIDANCE: Prior to submission, confirm the Agency's specific procedures under RSMo § 610.010 et seq.]